It´s Time For Cazuela

cazuela-r-p10123301Cazuela is one of those comforting dishes you can find in most homes, but rarely in restaurants. The reason is probably its extreme simplicity, but sometimes the best things in life are the less pompous ones, right? This is our vegetarian version of Cazuela, (in fact, it is vegan), and if you add quinoa or barley instead of the Israeli couscous I used simply because I had it in the pantry, it can also be a gluten free, and virtually fat free meal.

cazuela-rThe traditional recipe is made with beef and / or lamb and hen, which, as you can imagine, makes a very hearty soup. But even though these ingredients add a lot of flavor to the dish, I prefer to make it meat-less and enjoy the taste of each vegetable in all its simple glory.cazuela-r-jpg-1

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I usually add some small pasta or rice to this soup, but Israeli couscous is just as delicious and it slightly thickens the dish, which makes it more filling and satisfying. Quinoa, barley, amaranth, oats, or any other grain would also be a perfect addition. Serve in soup bowls with toasted bread on the side (optional), and some aji amarillo paste, if you like it spicy.

cazuela-r-p10123301Who says winter is synonymous of greasy, heavy, fattening food? This could very well become your go-to vegetarian dish for the winter. It certainly is one of mine.

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Cazuela
Author: 
Recipe type: Entree, Soup
Cuisine: Peruvian
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup cabbage, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup finely sliced green beans
  • ½ cup turnip, chopped
  • 1 cup fava beans, peeled
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 2 corns, cut in 2 pieces each
  • 1 celery stick, finely sliced
  • ½ cup cooked garbanzo beans
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 4 potatoes, peeled
  • 1 cup pumpkin, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup yucca, peeled and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 6 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 cup (aproximately) parsley and cilantro sprigs
  • Salt and pepper
  • To serve:
  • Ají amarillo paste
Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, stirring well.
  3. Add cabbage, green beans, turnip, fava beans, carrot, corn, celery, garbanzo beans, green peas, potatoes, pumpkin, yucca, dried oregano, and the vegetable stock.
  4. Tie the parsley and cilantro sprigs with a kitchen string to make a bunch and put in the pot.
  5. Put the lid on and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to medium low and simmer for 30 minutes.
  6. Add the Israeli couscous and cook until very tender. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Add the zucchini slices and cook for 7 more minutes.
  8. Discard the parsley and cilantro.
  9. Serve with aji amarillo paste.

Posted on - 3 Comments -
Filed Under: easy, Entrees, gluten free, healthy, low fat, Peruvian Recipes, soups, traditional, vegan, vegetarian , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Comments

  1. Valeria says:
    Thursday January 15th, 2015 at 07:06 PM

    Hola quisiera saber donde consigues los cucus en Perú. Gracias.

    Reply
    • Peru Delights says:
      Wednesday January 28th, 2015 at 11:02 AM

      Hola Valeria. El Israeli couscous lo compramos en USA pero puedes usar cualquier tipo de pastinas, que se venden en todos los supermercados y bodegas en Perú.

      Reply
  2. Jamie says:
    Saturday December 30th, 2017 at 05:12 PM

    Just FYI you are missing the zucchini and the cous cous from the ingredient list which made for two trips to the grocery store! May want to add it. 🙂

    Reply

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